ELECTORAL watchdog Bersih 2.0 has called for the resignation of Election Commission member Bala Singam Karupiah, following news that five of his colleagues will end their tenure prematurely.

The EC earlier today announced that deputy chairman Othman Mahmood and four commissioners will end their tenure on January 1 next year.

The four commissioners are Md Yusop Mansur, Abdul Aziz Khalidin, Sulaiman Narawi and Leo Chong Cheong.

“We call on Bala Singam to resign as well because he is equally responsible for all the malpractice and misconduct that took place in the 14th general election,” Bersih interim head Yap Swee Seng told The Malaysian Insight.

“He should apologise to the people for all the misconduct, and step down instead of holding on to the position.”

On the five whose tenure will be cut short, he said: “This is a huge victory for the people, for free and fair elections.

“We urge the government to continue with the tribunal, even if it is just for one commissioner, to set a good precedent of holding commissioners accountable for misconduct.”

EC chairman Azhar Azizan Harun, in a statement today, did not indicate why Bala Singam was not affected.

“The shortening of the duration of their service has been achieved, and it was agreed to by those concerned in a discussion held on October 15, before the October 17 news reports on the establishment of a special tribunal.”

He was referring to reports on the setting up of a tribunal by the government to investigate allegations of misconduct committed by the EC in the run-up to GE14.

When contacted, Azhar said the Attorney-General’s Chambers has yet to notify the EC about the tribunal.

“I don’t want to fuel speculation.”

Last month, Bersih, welcoming Azhar’s appointment, had called on Putrajaya to go the distance and remove six commissioners.

It urged the EC replace the commissioners “for their failure to uphold and defend the principles of clean, free and fair elections in GE14”.

Following this, the government should put in place a new appointment process for EC commissioners, to ensure transparency and accountability, said Bersih.

Malaysiakini, citing unnamed sources, yesterday reported that several Federal Court judges will be on the tribunal, which will be assisted by a team from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

The tribunal may result in the removal of several commissioners suspected of misconduct, said the portal.

Former solicitor-general II Yusof Zainal Abiden and lawyer M. Puravalen were named as possible co-counsel to represent the Attorney-General’s Chambers. – October 18, 2018.